Environment

Environment Vision

I have always been a strong supporter for the environment, something I have been passionate about even before my time in government.

Below are the first components of my Environment Vision. These efforts will move our Province forward to become more environmentally friendly and move toward decarbonization. I will ensure Nova Scotia is an environmental leader with a proper plan to make our Province green. My commitments include substantial reinvestments to make this a reality and not simply an aspirational goal.

Reinvesting Resource Based Royalties

A Labi Kousoulis government will redirect all Provincial royalties from resource-based activities such as mining, forestry, and petroleum extraction, into a green fund. This fund will be reinvested into green jobs such as in technology and start-ups, drive carbon reduction strategies, and investments in green energy to name a few.

This move will be transformative for our Province and put significant investment dollars to seeing our vision implemented.

Implementation of the Lahey Report

Five years ago, I approached Premier McNeil to outline the need for an independent report to government on how to protect the future of our forests. These actions led to the Lahey Report.

This Report should have already been acted on, and as the Premier, I will move the Report forward for immediate implementation prior to calling the next election.

Lands of Ecological Importance & Biodiversity

Areas of ecological value and homes to endangered species will be protected by a Kousoulis government.  As Premier, I will ensure that our endangered species such as the Mainland Moose are protected from threats.

Provincial Action on Carbon Reduction

Nova Scotia will lay the groundwork toward decarbonizing our Province by making key investments in energy storage. We will work with Nova Scotia Power for large scale storage solutions as well as create a subsidy for home battery installations. This is vital for allowing Nova Scotia to invest more in wind and solar, and to shift away from burning coal.

We will introduce and invest in the following:

• Subsidies on the purchase of new electric vehicles
• Invest in level 3 charging stations throughout Nova Scotia
• I will work with my Federal counterparts to invest in the Atlantic Loop to reinforce our commitment toward renewables